Understanding Drum Brakes: Why They Matter for Your Safety
June 5, 2025
When it comes to stopping your car, drum brakes play a big role—especially on older vehicles and some modern ones with rear drum systems. While not as common as disc brakes, drum brakes are still important to maintain for safety and performance.
What Are Drum Brakes?
Drum brakes are a type of brake system found mostly on the back wheels of many cars. They work by using brake shoes that press outward against the inside of a spinning drum. When this happens, your car slows down or comes to a stop.
Why Are Drum Brakes Important?
Even though disc brakes have become more common, drum brakes are still effective when properly maintained. They help your car stop safely and support your emergency brake system. If your drum brakes aren’t working right, you might notice:
- A soft or spongy brake pedal
- Strange noises like grinding or squeaking
- The car pulling to one side
- Longer stopping distances
Ignoring these signs can lead to brake failure, which is a serious safety risk.
Keeping Your Drum Brakes in Good Shape
At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, we inspect and service drum brakes as part of your routine maintenance. This includes checking the brake shoes, hardware, springs, and the brake drums themselves for wear or damage. When needed, we adjust or replace worn parts so your vehicle stays safe on the road.
Save Money with Regular Brake Service
Catching brake issues early helps avoid more expensive repairs later. Whether it’s replacing worn shoes or resurfacing the drum, routine brake service can save you money and give you peace of mind.
If you hear strange brake noises or feel something isn’t right when stopping, don’t wait. Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at 760-321-7040
to schedule a brake inspection. We’ll keep your vehicle safe and ready for the road.
Trusted. Honest. Local. Serving Cathedral City and the surrounding Coachella Valley.
Discover expert auto diagnostics at Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA. Optimize your car's performance. Schedule an online appointment now!
One of the most important parts of your vehicle is the cooling system . It keeps the engine from getting too hot. If your radiator, hoses, or water pump stop working, your engine can overheat fast. That can leave you stuck on the side of the road with a big repair bill. Taking care of your cooling system is simple but very important. Fresh coolant, good hoses, and a clean radiator all help your engine stay safe. If you see your temperature gauge go up, notice steam under the hood, or find green or orange liquid under your car, your cooling system may need attention. A strong cooling system also helps with smog checks. When your engine runs at the right temperature, it works better and cleaner. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we’re a STAR-certified smog station , so we can help you with both cooling system service and smog testing in one stop. We’ve been serving Cathedral City for years, and our family-owned shop is here to keep your car running cool and safe. 📞 Call us today at (760) 321-7040 to book your cooling system check or smog service. Stay cool, pass smog, and drive with confidence!
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At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we know how important it is to keep your air conditioning system in top shape during the hottest months of the year. Your vehicle’s A/C system does more than just blow cold air. It uses several key parts—like the compressor, condenser, and refrigerant—to keep the air cool and keep you safe from the desert heat. When something goes wrong, you may notice warm air , weak airflow , strange noises , or even a bad smell from your vents. These are signs it’s time to have your A/C checked. Our experienced team provides thorough testing and repair to make sure we find the cause of the problem, not just the symptom. From r echarging refrigerant to fixing leaks or replacing worn parts , we do the job right so your A/C keeps you comfortable mile after mile. Don’t wait until you’re stuck driving in the heat—if your A/C isn’t keeping you cool, bring your vehicle to us today. Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at (760) 321-7040 to schedule your A/C service and let our family take care of yours.
They help your alternator make power, keep your A/C blowing cold, and run other parts your car needs. Here in Cathedral City, our hot weather is hard on belts. Heat makes the rubber wear out faster. Over time, belts can crack, stretch, or even break . If a belt breaks while you’re driving, you could lose power steering , your battery might stop charging , or your engine could get damaged . Signs Your Belt Needs Help If you hear a squealing noise , see cracks , or notice frayed edges , your belt may be worn out. Even if you don’t notice anything, belts should be checked often so they can be replaced before they fail. Keep Your Car Running Right At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we check your belts and replace them when needed. This helps prevent bigger problems and keeps you safe on the road—especially during our hot desert days. If you think your belt might be worn, or it’s been a while since you had it checked, call us at (760) 321-7040 to set up a visit.
Get top-notch A/C & heat repair at Jim Brangham Auto Repair, Cathedral City, CA. Stay comfortable year-round. Visit us today for quality service!
Many people think cold weather is the main cause of battery problems, but heat can actually do more damage. High temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside a battery. While that might sound good, it also makes the battery fluid evaporate faster . This can lead to corrosion , internal damage , and a shorter battery life . That’s why in the Coachella Valley, batteries often fail sooner than the usual 3–5 years. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we offer battery testing to make sure yours is in good shape. Our testing and analysis checks how well your battery holds a charge and how it performs under stress . This helps spot problems before they leave you stranded. If your car is slow to start , your lights dim when using accessories, or your battery is more than three years old , it’s time for a check. A quick test now can save you the hassle and cost of a breakdown later. Stay ahead of the heat—call Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City at (760) 321-7040 to schedule your battery test today. We’ll help keep your car ready for every drive, even in the hottest desert days.
When it starts to fail, you might notice the brakes feel harder to press or the car takes longer to stop. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we’re here to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel. What Does a Brake Booster Do? The brake booster is a part of your braking system that uses vacuum pressure to help your foot push the brake pedal more easily. It reduces the effort it takes to stop your vehicle. If it stops working properly, stopping becomes harder—and that can be dangerous, especially in sudden traffic situations. Signs Your Brake Booster May Be Failing You might have a brake booster issue if: Your brake pedal feels stiff or hard to press. The engine stalls when you press the brake. It takes longer to stop your car. You hear a hissing noise when braking. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a trusted shop. Why It Matters Brake boosters don’t need to be replaced often, but when they fail, it affects your entire braking system. Ignoring the problem can lead to higher repair costs and increased risk while driving. That’s why regular brake inspections are key to safe driving. We’re Here to Help At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we offer professional brake inspections and repairs you can count on. Whether it’s the brake booster, master cylinder, or your brake pads, we’ll take care of it with honest service and expert attention. We proudly serve the Yucaipa, CA community and surrounding areas. Need Your Brakes Checked? If your brake pedal feels off or you're unsure about how your brakes are performing, schedule a visit today. Call us at (760)321-7040 or stop by the shop—we’re happy to help!
Your car is made up of hundreds of moving parts that work together to get you from point A to point B. Over time, those parts wear down or get dirty, and that’s where regular maintenance comes in. Even though every make and model is different, most vehicles have recommended service intervals that help you know when it’s time for a check-up. Some of the most common items that need service at regular intervals include your engine oil and filter, air filter, cabin air filter, brake pads and rotors, transmission fluid, coolant, spark plugs, timing components, and even your battery and fluids like brake or power steering fluid. Ignoring these can lead to breakdowns, expensive repairs, or even safety concerns. But the good news? Staying ahead of your maintenance schedule can prevent bigger problems down the road. Not sure when your vehicle is due? Our team is here to help. We can look up the manufacturer recommendations for your specific vehicle and help create a maintenance plan that fits your driving habits and your budget. Trust Jim Brangham Auto Repair to keep you on the road—safely, reliably, and confidently. 📍 Stop by the shop or give us a call at ( 760)321-7040 to schedule your next maintenance service.
At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, we’ve seen our fair share of fuel pump problems, and we’re here to help you understand what they do, how they fail, and when to bring your car in for help. What Does an Electronic Fuel Pump Do? In simple terms, the fuel pump delivers gas from your tank to your engine. It needs to send just the right amount of fuel at the right pressure, or your car could sputter, stall, or struggle to start. Most modern vehicles use electronic fuel pumps because they’re precise, efficient, and work seamlessly with fuel injection systems. Signs Your Fuel Pump Might Be Failing If your car is acting up, your fuel pump could be the culprit. Keep an eye (and ear) out for: Engine sputtering or stalling Hard starts or no start at all Loss of power while driving Whining noise from the fuel tank If you're noticing any of these issues, don’t ignore them—fuel pump problems can quickly go from annoying to dangerous. Why Timely Fuel Pump Repair Matters A faulty fuel pump can leave you stranded, reduce fuel efficiency, and cause other engine problems if left unchecked. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we use testing and analysis to pinpoint fuel delivery issues and recommend the best solution for your vehicle—whether that’s a fuel pump replacement or related repair. Trust the Pros at Jim Brangham Auto Repair Since 1993, we’ve proudly helped drivers throughout Cathedral City with honest, reliable service. If you suspect a fuel pump issue—or anything else—give us a call. We’re family-owned, STAR-certified for smog repair, and ready to handle everything from engine diagnostics to A/C repair and more. Need help with your fuel system? Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at (760)321-7040 and get back on the road with confidence.
